ULTRA South Africa marked a decade of dance with two monumental shows this weekend, kicking off in Cape Town on Friday, May 9, before heading to Johannesburg for a grand finale on Saturday, May 10. Together, they formed a euphoric celebration of music, energy, and unity — and a fitting tribute to 10 years of ULTRA magic in South Africa.
Both cities turned up in full force, with fans packing out the venues from early afternoon to the final beat at 2 AM. As expected, ULTRA South Africa’s 10th anniversary was nothing short of spectacular, with an electrifying lineup of international headliners who delivered unforgettable performances across both cities.
Star-studded sets and surprise guests
Martin Garrix closed the night with a career-spanning set, including a jaw-dropping surprise appearance by American indie pop star Lauv and South Africa’s own Lloyiso. Trance icon Armin van Buuren brought his signature energy, fusing classics and new tracks into a flawless, euphoric experience.
New names, iconic moments
Making his South African debut, ISOxo wowed fans with a genre-bending, high-energy performance. Meanwhile, KSHMR delighted the crowd with dynamic remixes of local favourites like “Sister Bethina,” “Jerusalema,” and “Nkalakatha,” creating unforgettable cultural crossover moments on the main stage.
RESISTANCE brought the underground energy
The ever-evolving RESISTANCE stage delivered a darker, deeper sonic experience. International heavyweights like Mind Against and Massano captivated the crowd with intricate melodic techno sets, while South African icons Shimza and Culoe De Song brought a spiritual, Afro-tech energy that showcased the country’s global influence.
Cape Town kicked things off
Cape Town’s show at The Ostrich was set against the stunning Western Cape backdrop. The lineup featured a rich mix of South African talent, with highlights from Dean Fuel B2B Kyle Cassim, Gil Glaze, Niskerone, and a powerful opener by MIA.
Johannesburg closed it in style
The Johannesburg experience at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, was the bigger of the two shows, featuring extra stages like The Groove Room and Clubhouse. Amapiano legends Kabza De Small, DBN Gogo, DJ Maphorisa, and Da Capo elevated the event to new heights.
The Groove Room: celebrating Amapiano and house
This exciting new addition celebrated the best of South African electronic music. Sets from Oscar Mbo, Dlala Thukzin, 2woBunnies, and Mörda drew massive crowds and proved just how much the local sound resonates with Ultranauts.
Clubhouse kept the vibes going
The Clubhouse stage returned with unforgettable performances from Kasango, Shamiso, and Mpho.Wav, delivering feel-good energy and fresh beats all day long.
A celebration of sound, unity and culture
Across both cities, the weekend served as a powerful reminder of ULTRA South Africa’s impact — uniting fans from all walks of life to celebrate the music that moves us.
ULTRA South Africa 2026 dates announced!
At the close of Johannesburg’s epic night, the big announcement dropped: ULTRA South Africa 2026 is coming!
- Johannesburg: Saturday, April 25, 2026 — Expo Centre, Nasrec
- Cape Town: Sunday, April 26, 2026 — The Ostrich
Pre-register for tickets HERE.
If you were there, thank you for being part of an unforgettable 10th anniversary. See you on the dance floor next year!
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
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